Exodus Extracts 40 – Presence For The Journey

For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. (Exodus 40:38 ESV)

It’s fascinating reading about what in essence took place in the space of a year, from the time the children of Israel left Egypt to Moses setting up the tabernacle.

It highlights that the right foundation for any journey is ensuring the presence of God with us. Ensuring His instructions are in place. Ensuring His procedures are in place. Ensuring His glory fills the place once everything is done so that we won’t forget who took us out of slavery and who will lead us into the promised land.

In certain circles the term ‘anointing’ has somewhat been misused and almost seen as a magic spell over someone or something. What marks out the use of anointing by Moses in this context is following the instructions of God to mark out the specific and set apart people and resources for His purposes. As the people continue their travels, it will remind them of their identity as God’s chosen when they see that which is the presence of those set apart for Him.

As a royal priesthood now, this has implications for how those who follow God are to be viewed today.